China tackles Internet

Oh what a tangled Web we weave

Chinese authorities are so worried about the spread of the Internet they are planning to create a crime investigation until in every city in a bid to exert some control over the Net and how it is used. In a leaked document it has been revealed that the number of Net accounts in the country has doubled in the past year to just over two million. But since many accounts have multiple users, some experts predict the actual number of people online could be nearer six million. Human rights activists believe the move will have far-reaching implications on the freedom of speech in China adding that e-mail will be intercepted and users targeted by the authorities. ®